The learning theory that fits well into the distance learning environment is constructivism. In this learning model the teachers are facilitators and the students are doing research and collaborating with classmates to create meaning of material and reach conclusions. During this process students create meaning for concepts through their personal experiences in and out of the classroom. Garrison (2011) says that education servers two purposes. One purpose being the student constructs meaning from personal experiences, and the other purpose to refine this meaning through working with peers. Constructivism fits both criteria. Hyslop and Strobel (2008), caution educators to set parameters that will prevent students from constructing knowledge that is not accurate. To make sure this doesn’t happen teachers must be properly trained on implementation of the inquiry based approach and understand the limitations of the constructivist approach.
Overbay, Patterson, Vasu, & Grable (2010) report a study that found teachers who are more likely to use the constructivist approach are more likely to integrate technology into the classroom. I feel this supports the claim that online learning can incorporate the constructivist approach and support the learning of all students.
As a classroom teacher I use this model of learning in the lessons I plan for my students. It is the students who need to research and apply meaning to real life. I teach middle school so I also have to scaffold quiet a bit to achieve productive results. Critical thinking is not intuitive so they need support. In the future I would find interest in research that would provide information on integrating best practices of technology into the online classroom environment.
References
Garrison, D. (2011). E-learning in the 21st century:a framework for research and practice. (2nd ed.). Taylor and Francis.
Hyslop-Margison, E., & Strobel, J.. (2008). Constructivism and Education: Misunderstandings and pedagogical implications. The Teacher Educator, 43(1), 72-86. Retrieved April 4, 2012 , from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1527172471)..
Overbay, A., Patterson, A. S., Vasu, E. S., & Grable, L. L. (2010). Constructivism and technology use: findings from the IMPACTing Leadership project. Educational Media International, 47(2), 103-120. doi:10.1080/09523987.2010.492675
I too approach teaching from a constructivist model but more from the social constructivist point of view. I like your statement "Critical thinking is not intuitive so they need support." This is extremely true when trying to teach students how to think like a chemists. Not everyone thinks the same way, and not everyone is meant to take chemistry (message to Fairfax County.) Even the best students I have must learn to think critically. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the constructivist theory does seem to fit well with distance education. Especially seeing that there is more of a hands off approach from the instructors and the students seem to shape alot of their own learning. This is true for many distance education classroom environments where the students are working in groups with their peers, doing individual work and the instructor is taking more of a facilitator role. I also found the quote that you stated by Garrison to very appropriate for this discussion. Thank you for your post!
ReplyDeleteLove the post. I am such an advocate of student centered constructivism I could not agree more with post as my own blogs would demonstrate.
ReplyDeleteTechnology and distance education allow a great deal of customization of the knowledge a student acquires and almost require that students assemble the knowledge and concepts on their own (Collins,Halverston, 2009) This fact alone could explain why distance educators are so much more friendly toward constructivism and traditional educators tend to be nervous implementing technology.
Perhaps we should collaborate on researching those best practices....
Collins, A., Halverston, R. (2009). Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology : The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America. New York: Teachers College Press.
I would like to see a traditional classroom that follows constructivism. I would bet that the teacher who took that on would not be a 30-40 year veteran. Going into constructivism really moves away from all teaching traditions, such as being the authoritarian teacher. When you do this, you are really taking the work off of the teacher and putting it onto the students - which is great! It teaches the students that they are responsible for their education and it gives them greater opportunity to think critically. I think that is one of the biggest issues that I see with my students. They do not know how to think.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Alisha